MYRModel Year Report

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

◆ Worse than typical
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:27.437Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
165
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

37% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2002: 444 complaints 2002 2003: 204 complaints 2004: 165 complaints 2004 165 2005: 71 complaints 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 377 complaints 2008: 258 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 127 complaints 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 82 complaints
2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 444 complaints 2002 2003: 204 complaints 2003 2004: 165 complaints 2004 165 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 377 complaints 2007 2008: 258 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 127 complaints 2011 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 82 complaints 2013
2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 444 complaints 2002 2003: 204 complaints 2003 2004: 165 complaints 2004 165 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 377 complaints 2007 2008: 258 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 127 complaints 2011 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 82 complaints 2013

2004: 165 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
20002
20012
2002444
2003204
2004165
200571
200611
2007377
2008258
200976
2010111
2011127
201236
201382

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

37% · 61 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became hot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-07

When the consumer attempted to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated intermittently. *ak the vehicle needed a new alternator, radio system (Cd would over heat).

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-13

Also filed under Power train

Service brakes

27% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Driving in heavy traffic on I 95 south on the way to vacation, brakes failed when I attempted to slow down. I rear ended another vehicle. Had truck in shop for week and found several problems with lines and 2 leaks.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-26

Power train

8% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

6% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing column and rack and pinion.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20-35 MPH, the vehicle violently vibrated. Total control was lost of the vehicle causing the vehicle to veer into the other lane resulting in the vehicle hitting the side of a mountain.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-10

Air bags

5% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, an elk jumped in front of the vehicle and the contact attempted to avoid a crash. As a result, the contact crashed into a dirt mountain.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-13

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2004Complaint volume 165 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2004-04-30Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-28 Hydraulic pump failres
  3. R
    2004-06-18Service brakes, hydraulic04V045000 Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these…

    Remedy: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on June 18, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2004-09-18Structure04V129000 On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (Horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2005-03-23Service brakes, hydraulic05V043000 Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost…

    Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2005-07-21Seat belts05V163000 On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2ND row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips…

    Remedy: Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on July 21…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2006-08-31Engine and engine cooling06V289000 On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1L V8 (Rpo L8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…

    Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 61 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 44 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V045000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 04V129000 · Structure
  • Recall 05V043000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 05V163000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 06V289000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.